Pandering to Genocide

A vulnerable Jewish professor publicly advocates the dismantling of Israel as a sovereign Jewish nation.

As columnist Charles Krauthammer recently observed: "The world is experiencing the worst resurgence of anti-Semitism in 50 years. Its main objective is the demonization and delegitimation of Israel, to the point that the idea of eradicating... the world's only Jewish state becomes respectable, indeed laudable. The psychological grounds for the final solution are being prepared."

Party to this grim preparation is one Tony Judt, former Oxford don and now a history professor at New York University. Accomplished in the academy, where Israel is widely vilified, he has evidently, as a Jew, suffered discomfiting criticism among his colleagues -- perhaps even at dinner parties. He doesn't appreciate this, and so publicly advocates the dismantling of Israel as a sovereign Jewish nation.

Not surprisingly, the professor's argument is an extremist diatribe filled with distortion.

In an October 10 op-ed in the Los Angeles Times and a longer version in the October 23 New York Review of Books, he terms Israel an "anachronism" to be done away with. The Jewish state is "bad for the Jews," writes Judt, explaining, "the behavior of a self-described Jewish state affects the way everyone else looks at Jews." He opines that "non-Israeli Jews feel themselves once again exposed to criticism and vulnerable for things they didn't do."

Not surprisingly, the professor's argument for the abolition of the Jewish state in favor of a bi-national one shared with the Palestinians -- an entity soon to leave Jews a minority -- is an extremist diatribe filled with distortion.

Judt parrots Palestinian allegations, charging Israel has, for example, "consistently and blatantly flouted UN resolutions requiring it to withdraw from land seized and occupied in war." But there is only one currently relevant UN resolution, 242, and that requires Israel to withdraw to negotiated "secure and recognized boundaries."

Israel has, of course, pulled back from large areas of land, including the Sinai and southern Lebanon. On the other hand, Arab states blatantly violate Resolution 242's demand that states in the region terminate "belligerency," and respect the right of "every State in the area... to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries, free from threats or acts of force."

Judt attacks Israel as outmoded in an age of individual rights and multi-ethnicity because it is a Jewish state. Disregarding the 22 Muslim Arab states in which Islam and its hundreds of millions of adherents are given privileged status, and from which in varying degrees Jews are prohibited from owning property, praying or even setting foot, the author lambastes Israel as "a state in which Jews and the Jewish religion have exclusive privileges from which non-Jewish citizens are forever excluded." In fact, in Israel as nowhere else in the Middle East, people of all faiths live, work, vote, worship and prosper. Jews do enjoy unique access to citizenship under the Law of Return -- just as other democratic nations offer citizenship privileges to particular ethnic groups. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Greece, Poland, Germany, Mexico, Bulgaria and the Baltic and Balkan nations are just a few.

Judt is equally hypocritical about recent key events. He complains: "Israeli liberals and moderate Palestinians have for two decades been thanklessly insisting that the only hope was for Israel to dismantle nearly all the settlements and return to the 1967 borders, in exchange for real Arab recognition of those frontiers and a stable, terrorist-free Palestinian state..." Literally unmentioned are the Camp David/Taba negotiations, with their offer to dismantle settlements and return virtually to the 1967 lines -- and Palestinian rejection of statehood in favor of terror. Thus the professor is silent regarding Arab rejection of nationhood alongside the Jews.

Nor are the Arabs faulted for their "anachronistic" dictatorial regimes -- while the Jewish state is to be destroyed for its supposed imperfections.

Arafat and his associates have long advocated the "single state" solution Judt embraces, and have made clear what that would entail.

"Every Palestinian must clearly understand that the independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital, is not the end of the process but rather a stage on the road to a democratic state in the whole of Palestine," Fatah ideologue and PA director of political indoctrination Othman Abu Gharbiya stated in November, 1999. "This will be followed by a third phase, namely Palestine's complete amalgamation in the Arab and Islamic cultural, national, historic, and geographic environment. This is the permanent-status solution."

In becoming a cheerleader for this solution, Judt offers the Jews of Israel the fate of other ethnic and religious minorities in the Arab Middle East, all of whom are beleaguered and persecuted in some degree, and in the worst cases subjected to genocidal assault. Indeed, Palestinian leaders, including PA religious figures, have repeatedly called for the annihilation of Israel.

But submitting Israel's Jews to the murderous designs of Arafat and his cronies apparently means little to Judt when weighed against the prospect of being freed in the eyes of his academic colleagues from the "guilt" by ethnic association with Israel's battle for survival.

Visitor Comments: 14

(14)
Alex,
November 21, 2003 12:00 AM

Pompus Idiot

This professor has no clue. I have just returned from Israel, and seeing things with my own eyes instead of those of a biased media improves my view on the activites of the Israeli government. Peace can only happen if both sides want it. The "palestinians" have shown time and time again that the only time they will "lay down theier arms" is when Israel is destroyed. Anyone who thinks that America relationship with the rest of the Middle East totaritarian dictatorships/theocracies, etc if Israel was no longer there has been living under a rock for the last 55 years. It is not or support of Israel and a Jewish state that "condemns" us in the minds of the all but the most moderate of Muslims, it is the freedoms which we espouse (and Israel as well) as a liberal democracy.

(13)
Anonymous,
November 17, 2003 12:00 AM

WOW!!!

Hello;
I just had to write. A "BI-nation"..indeed! What on earth is this nonsense. This is hysterically funny, if unfortunately people with greater ego-needs, than common sense, and REAL power were not in a position to DO something about their opiniopns.

When will someone wake up, and realize the sheer emptiness of what I call the "stupid-factor". How can Anyone take these ideas Seriously! Dismantly a DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY (Israel), because it is "felt", that Self-Defence is a Big no--no, when "victims" spout their hatred, loudly thru violence.

I lay the responsibility at the hands of those pacifiers, appeasers, and insecure parties, just Dying to "fit in". Well, People are dying all right, and they are fitting in VERY nicely into their shrouds, while their family, friends,a nd a whole people weeps in vain.

It is time that fearful individuals with some clout, get a backbone, and STAND for something. Being part of a thuggish mob, is not why we are here. We are here to ensure that Peoples EVERYWERE, and that INCLUDES Israel, and the Jewish Nation, be taken for granted as part of Creation.

To feel afraid, shows a total lack of trust, in one's own values. Pandering to fools, and nonsensical ideas, shows that the human spirit is trulky weakened, and atrophying. This is a serious lack Spiritual Valour, which needs to be addressed. The facts may not be slanted to suit faddish posturings, and cultural modes of the month.

So, there is controversy, so there is heated discussion, so there are dissenting views, SO WHAT...If people do not like you, SO WHAT.

I sincerely believe that it is time for many of us to realize that the WHOLE world can be wrong, and Is wrong. It is time to face up to the fact, that it does not matter, in the least.

Shalom.

Otillia de Andrade

(12)
Anonymous,
November 8, 2003 12:00 AM

Caving in to social pressure and assimilation

This pitiful proffesor reminds me of the lion in the Wizard of Oz,if he only had a heart and the other equipment needed by a real lion.

(11)
Rex S. Rambo,
November 7, 2003 12:00 AM

Tony Judt is advocating appeasement.

I can reply to professor Judt and his collegues with one word, Bullbutter.
For those who have trouble with this idiomatic expression, bullbutter, think of cattle chips.

(10)
Anonymous,
November 6, 2003 12:00 AM

Excellent review of an Important Threat to Israel

Exposing these gutless intellectual anti-Israel such as Tony Judt is both mandatory and tough work. We are lucky that Andrea Levin and Charles Krauthammer have the courage to challenge his statements against Israel and our right to have a Jewish state. The US Jewish Community must wake up to the anti-semitism that is occuring in our media and on our college campuses. We need to be proactive in the mainstream media to inform to our friends, our brethern and our enemies around the world that our very existence is threatened by the rising tides of Islamic radicals and those supposed Jews who are against Israel.

(9)
sarah devorah,
November 5, 2003 12:00 AM

Tony Judt

Did you see his website? http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/history/tony_judt.htm He is even worse than you stated in your article when you see this site.

(8)
Anonymous,
November 4, 2003 12:00 AM

Louder

We need broader promulgation of these truths.

(7)
Judy,
November 3, 2003 12:00 AM

To Joe Mittleman
The email address you were looking for is on the NYU website: tony.judt@nyu.edu
Good luck!
Judy

(6)
Rachel Singer,
November 3, 2003 12:00 AM

So sad

I live in the Shomron (Samaria) in Israel and if this professor has a problem with the State of Israel, I'd be very happy to set him straight. He's welcome to visit me anytime.

(5)
Jeff,
November 3, 2003 12:00 AM

This professor is a disturbed individual

In the tradition of Noam Chomsky, the anti-Ameirican,anti-Israeli,anti-Semitic linguist, this foolish professor espouses a dogma which is detrimental to the well being of Israel and Jews. He, like many Leftists, has bought into the faulty/mendacious arguments put forth by the Palestinians and those who sympathize with them. Perhaps this professor should read,"The Case for Israel," written by Dershowitz. Although I disagree with Dershowitz politically, he does an excellent job detailing the history and the facts of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is saddening that one of our own is so disturbed.

(4)
jay young,
November 2, 2003 12:00 AM

excellent rebuttal to weak wriiter

univesity prof.who knows the meaning of bigotry,hatred and nazi murder in WWII has not learned the meaning of speaking up,loud and clear in memory of 6 million Jews murdered in Europe..their remnants returned to their 3500 yr homeland in Israel and there will they will survive and grow from generation to generation as a god fearing nation,welcoming all nations and faiths to live in peace with security,with no terrorism to create civilian murder ever.

(3)
Rachell,
November 2, 2003 12:00 AM

Perceived from the small excerpts in this article, I find Judt's arguments true and more logical than that which has been provided by the author. I think the author needs to work more in his/her rebutals, because the present ones are not good enough to convince all those 'humanitarian workers' out there.

(2)
Manuel,
November 2, 2003 12:00 AM

A Jew that did not grasp the essence of being Jewish

Jews are respected in the world due to Israel existence

Any Jew can disagree with any given Israeli government but cannot question Israel existence, because he is at the same time questioning HIS OWN EXISTENCE

Israel belongs not only to the Israelis but also to all the Jews of the world who by different circumstances have lived up to these times among the nations since the destruction of the Second Temple during the first century by the Romans

This man can criticize Israel but Israel will always have open arms for him

Why ?

Because he is Jewish

(1)
Joe Mittelman,
November 2, 2003 12:00 AM

Where can I get an address for Tony Judt. I would like to write him an E mail and tell him what I think of his ideas.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
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